CFA and AusNet pair up for emergency management

The Hillcrest CFA received a $1000 donation from AusNet Services for assisting with the emergency planning for a major project to underground powerlines in the Mt Toolebewong and Don Valley area.

The cheque, presented to Hillcrest CFA Captain Fiona Burns and her brigade this week, will be used to install security cameras and internal monitors.

AusNet Services’ Regional Customer and Community Manager, Leesa Penaluna, said that the company appreciates the assistance of the CFA in helping achieve a safe working environment.

“As part of the Victorian Government’s Powerline Bushfire Safety Program, bare wire high voltage powerlines in specific high bushfire risk areas are being replaced with insulated powerlines, underground cables or new conductor technologies,” Mrs Penaluna said.

“We’ve undertaken an evaluation of risks and prepared an emergency management plan to underground approximately five kilometres of powerline in the rugged terrain of the Mt Toolebewong and Don Valley area.

“The Hillcrest CFA has taken a lead role in helping develop the emergency management plan for the project, coordinating the involvement of local Victoria Police, State Emergency Service and Ambulance Victoria representatives.

“For this reasons, we’d like to specifically recognise the efforts of the Hillcrest CFA with a $1000 donation,” she said.

Late last year, emergency agency representatives met onsite with AusNet Services personnel and contractors to discuss and plan for emergency events, such as a medical emergency rescue or evacuation situation.

“Our employees and contractors have great respect for the work of the emergency agencies. Having them on site to review the unique risks will only help ensure that the bushfire-mitigation project is delivered safely,” Leesa said.

The installation of underground cables in the Mt Toolebewong and Don Valley area is on track, with completion expected by October 2015.